The Collective has partnered with Back Stage Pass, Inc., a division of Classic Imports, Inc., and Kurt S. Adler, Inc., for decorative and novelty gift products inspired by the Cartoon Network series, Annoying Orange. The deals were brokered on behalf of The Collective by The Joester Loria Group. [Read more...]

The Bridge Direct Inc. launches The Hobbit toy collection for all ages. The collection includes, 3.75-inch figures, 6-inch figures, collector packs, and role-play accessories. The first film in the trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, inspired the collection. The film is a production of New Line Cinema and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. The toy collection is available at major retail stores nationwide.

In anticipation for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first of two films adapting The Hobbit, The Bridge Direct will unveil a collection of authentic toys at retailers this October.

The Bridge Direct released the limited edition Comic-Con International: San Diego Exclusive Bilbo Baggins Figure–only be available at this year’s SDCC. The detailed 6-inch scale figure presents the title character from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in his “invisible” state while wearing the Ring and will be presented in a numbered collector’s edition box.

Other items in the line include The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 3.75-inch Basic Figures, Figure 2-Packs, Figure Deluxe 2-Pack, Box Set, Beast Pack, Figure Battle Pack, Collector Figure, Deluxe Collector Figure; The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Deluxe Sword; and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 6-inch Battle Axe. Characters featured in the line are Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, and Thorin Oakenshield.

This post was originally written by Ali Mierzejewski and published by ToyBook.com. For more news, visit www.toybook.com, follow The Toy Book on Twitter, and like The Toy Book on Facebook. The Toy Book is a bimonthly trade magazine covering the toy industry, published by Adventure Publishing Group.

The Collective has partnered with Sakar International for a line of electronic devices and accessories inspired by Annoying Orange, star of a new Cartoon Network series. The deal was brokered on behalf of The Collective by The Joester Loria Group,the licensing agent for the Annoying Orange brand.

The collection of Annoying Orange electronic products to be created by Sakar will include earbuds, headphones, talking camera cases, clock radios, and cases for iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touch. Items will range in price from $9.99 to $49.99 and will debut at Toys “R” Us and other retailers nationwide in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Sakar joins the first wave of partners for the Annoying Orange licensing program. A master toy deal has been reached with The Bridge Direct, Inc., for a line of talking, plush clip-ons, and collectible figures are available at specialty retailers, including Toys “R” Us. Annoying Orange apparel and accessories for young men and juniors, from Hybrid Apparel and LF USA, are now available at retail. Costumes from Rubies Costume Company will debut this fall.

This post was originally written by Sierra McCleary-Harris and published by ToyBook.com. For more news, visit www.toybook.com, follow The Toy Book on Twitter, and like The Toy Book on Facebook. The Toy Book is a bimonthly trade magazine covering the toy industry, published by Adventure Publishing Group.

still picture of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Warner Bros. Consumer Products has awarded the worldwide master toy and game licensing rights for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again to The Bridge Direct, Inc. The Bridge will develop an array of products inspired by the two films, which is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings).

The line will include action figures, play sets, and role play accessories such as basic action figures, adventure packs, beast packs, highly detailed collector figures, a basic Sting sword, a basic Orcrist sword, a Dwarven battle axe, and a Deluxe Sting sword that features a blue glow just like in the film. The line is expected to debut at retail stores in fall 2012, prior to the December 14 release of the first film.

This fall, The Bridge Direct will be launching a line of collectible dolls, play sets, and accessories based on singer Jackie Evancho, the “little girl with the big voice” who stunned crowds on the 2010 season of America’s Got Talent. The first item to debut at retail will be a special Collector’s Edition Singing Holiday Doll that will play a clip of “When You Wish Upon A Star.” In the spring, additional singing dolls and accessory packs will join the line.

Bravado, a global music merchandising company, and The Bridge Direct, Inc, have caught “Bieber Fever” and will launch an exclusive line of collectible dolls, singing dolls, toys, and plush based on teenage music star Justin Bieber.

The new Justin Bieber toy line will debut this holiday season, starting with the JB Style Collection Figures, Justin Bieber Music Video Collection Singing Figures that feature accessories and a portion of Bieber’s most popular songs, and In Concert Microphones that play two of Bieber’s hit songs, plus sound effects. Also to be released will be collectible Signature Plush.

The products are expected to be available in major mass retailers on or before December 4, and will also be available for pre-sale online starting this week.

The Bridge Direct, Inc., a startup by former Play Along president Jay Foreman, has named George Vorkas as the company’s general manager of new business development. In this role, Vorkas will develop new business opportunities and act as the direct liaison with the company’s major clients.

Previously, Vorkas managed supply chain projects in his more than seven-year term at Li & Fung. He also served as head of Monogram International, a senior executive at Toy Biz, and as director of research & development of Toymax.

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